Head of Boarding

Southwell School; Waikato; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Onsite accommodation

Job summary

Southwell School in Hamilton seeks a dynamic leader to oversee the Boarding House and welfare for Year 1–8 students. The role includes day-to-day boarding operations and living on site in school-provided accommodation.

Ideal applicants bring pastoral care experience, strong communication, and a teaching qualification. Prior leadership in boarding or education is welcomed but not required; emotional intelligence and relational skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Leadership experience in boarding or pastoral care.
• High emotional intelligence and strong relational skills.
• Willingness to live onsite and engage in school life.
• Qualified teaching experience and credentials.

Responsibilities

• Pastoral leadership: provide welfare support to boarders, staff, and families.
• Team supervision: lead house staff and tutors.
• Operations: manage daily, weekly, and termly duties rosters.
• Clinic and night oversight: supervise two weeknight duties and clinic operations.
• Co-curricular: assist in coaching or managing winter sports.

Skills

Pastoral leadership

Emotional intelligence

Relational skills

Student welfare

Team supervision

Communication skills

Education

Teaching qualification(s)

Job description

Primary and intermediate (Years 1–8) / kura tuatahi, Other senior leadership
English, Health and physical education, Learning languages, Mathematics and statistics, Science, Social sciences, Technology, Te reo Māori, The arts

• A unique leadership opportunity in pastoral care
• Growth minded leadership: experience welcome, passion required
• Shape the future of our boarding community

Southwell School, a co-educational day and boarding school for Year 1–8 students on an expansive campus in Hamilton, is offering a unique leadership opportunity for an energetic, empathetic, and organised professional to guide our vibrant boarding community.

Whether you are an experienced boarding leader or a teacher ready for a pivotal pastoral role, we welcome your application. Prior leadership experience is welcomed, but not a requirement; what matters most is high emotional intelligence, strong relational skills, and a commitment to student welfare.

About the role

You will oversee day-to-day Boarding House operations, creating a warm, structured environment where boarders and staff thrive. You will live onsite in school provided accommodation.

Key responsibilities

• Pastoral leadership: Provide guidance and welfare support to boarders, staff, and families.
• Team supervision: Lead house staff, including the Assistant House Masters, and Tutors.
• Operations: Manage daily, weekly, and termly duty rosters.
• Clinic and night oversight: Direct two weeknight duties (4:00 pm – 9:00 pm) and maintain supervisory oversight of clinic operations.
• Co-curricular: Assist in coaching or managing a winter sports team.

Note: This position will have a teaching component, we are requiring applicants to have appropriate teaching qualifications and experience.

Hours and time off

• Weeknights: Two fixed duties per week (4:00 pm – 9:00 pm) with general oversight on remaining evenings.
• Weekends: Shared roster across the team (occasional Friday evenings, Saturday mornings, and Sunday evenings).
• Leave: Enjoy free time during scheduled leave weekends and school holidays (excluding call-back days).

About you

• Background in pastoral care, residential care, or education.
• Strong communication skills and a student-centered approach.
• Enthusiastic about actively engaging in wider school life.
• Qualified teaching experience.